Nobel Prize in Chemistry Honors Three Researchers for Groundbreaking Studies on Framework Materials
The prestigious award in Chemistry has been awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M Yaghi for their foundational work on MOFs.
The scientists' investigations has potential to tackle some of the significant worldwide challenges, such as trapping greenhouse gases to fight climate change or curbing plastic pollution through sophisticated scientific methods.
“I feel tremendously honored and overjoyed, many thanks,” said Professor Kitagawa during a phone call to the news conference after hearing the decision.
“How much time must I spend here? I need to leave for a scheduled meeting,” the laureate added.
These three recipients receive award funds of 11 million Swedish kronor (ÂŁ872,000).
Molecular Architecture on a Center of the Breakthrough
Their researchers' research involves how molecular units are built in unison into complex networks. Award organizers termed it “molecular design”.
These professors developed methods to build frameworks with large spaces amid the components, allowing various substances to travel via them.
Such materials are called metal-organic materials.
This reveal was presented by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences at a news conference in Stockholm, Sweden.
Prof. Kitagawa is based at the University of Kyoto in Japan, Prof. Robson is at the Melbourne University in the Australian continent, and Omar Yaghi is connected to the University of California in the US.
Previous Nobel Winners in Scientific Fields
Last year, Demis Hassabis, John Jumper, and David Baker received the prize for their studies on proteins, which are critical building blocks of life.
This is the third science prize presented recently. Previously, John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis received the physics award for their contributions on quantum mechanics that facilitated the advancement of the quantum computer.
At the start of the week, 3 experts' work on how the immune system attacks harmful microbes secured them the award for medical science.
One winner, Dr Fred Ramsdell, was unaware of the announcement for a full day because he was on an off-grid hiking trip.
